Tokyo Hearts

by Renae Lucas-Hall

A fascinating exploration of life in modern-day Japan, TOKYO HEARTS is a poignant love story that will catapult you directly onto the fashionable streets of this nation’s capital and into the hearts of Takashi and Haruka. Takashi is a young and popular university student who has fallen in love with his stylish and sophisticated friend Haruka. She is sweet and kind and adores shopping for high-end Japanese and Western brands. Every week, they meet up in the heart of Tokyo, enjoying each other’s company, and for Takashi, life is perfect. But the path to true love is never easy. When Takashi discovers that Haruka is seeing her wealthy ex-boyfriend from Kyoto, his life begins to turn upside down. This coming of age story traces the lives of Takashi and Haruka and their friends as they deal with young love and the ups and downs of growing up in Tokyo – truly one of the most stylish, energetic and exhilarating cities in the world.

Genres: Japan, Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Asian Literature, Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2012

About the author

Renae Lucas-Hall is an Australian-born British novelist and writer. Renae spent many years studying French, Italian and Japanese because she loves languages and she always wanted to be an interpreter, a teacher or a writer. Renae graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese language and culture before living and working in Tokyo for two years. Renae has continued to work with the Japanese for many years in Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom. Renae has also completed an Advanced Diploma of Business Marketing at RMIT in Melbourne and at the University of Gloucestershire in the UK. Over the past twenty years, Renae has enjoyed visiting Japan many times for work or as a tourist and these days she continues to love reading and writing about anything and everything related to Japan, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Renae lives in the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom with her husband and their Siberian husky.

Renae Lucas-Hall's first novel Tokyo Hearts: A Japanese Love Story was published with Grosvenor House Publishing in 2012. Tokyo Tales: A Collection of Japanese Short Stories was published in June 2014 and a futuristic schi-fi novelette Tokyo 2060: Welcome to the Future was released in 2015. Renae is currently working on her fourth book called Tokyo Dreams - this is the sequel to Tokyo Hearts. You can find out more about Renae, her books and her writing at http://www.cherryblossomstories.com/.

Reviews

[Antonia♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on the blog:
http://whispersatmoonlight.wordpress....

Well, this book was a good surprise for me. I just loved the story and I want to read more about Takashi and Haruka. They were amazing, even though they had to pass through some difficult obstacles to be together.
Besides that, I found out a lot of things about Japan and the Japanese culture. Renae’s idea (mixing a love story with the Japanese culture) was very original and I don’t think I will have the opportunity to read another book like TOKYO HEARTS again. I can still remember the beautiful places the author described when she had written the book ♥

Coming back to Takashi and Haruka, I can honestly say that they were my favorite characters from the book. They were so cute together<3 She was exactly Takashi wanted – a beautiful girl with a good heart. At the beginning, Haruka annoyed me because she couldn’t see how much Takashi loved her. She was too busy to meet her ex boyfriend, Jun and his gruesome mother. Jun was a completely jerk and I hated him. He played with Haruka’s heart and family and then he didn’t do nothing to apologize. Later, Haruka realized that she loves Takashi but she was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to give her the life she deserved.
Time passed and things changed in everybody’s lives. Takashi’s grandma let him a fortune when she died and now he is able to give Haruka what she really deserves. And the most important thing is that Takashi and Haruka are finally together ♥
The ending was perfect. Oh, I never wanted to say goodbye to all the characters, but it was inevitably. Thanks a lot Renae, for giving me the opportunity to know and love them.

Overall, TOKYO HEARTS is a beautiful love story and I recommend it to you. Renae Lucas-Hall is a very talented author and I really like her writing style. Can’t wait to read her next book, the sequel of TOKYO HEARTS - TOKYO DREAMS ♥ Unfortunately, I have to wait until 2014.
So, read and love this book. You won’t be disappointed. Plus, I think you will want to visit Japan after you read it (just like I did).

RATING: ★★★★★

[JeanBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renae Lucas-Hall’s Tokyo Hearts is a moving love story between two young people, Takashi and Haruka, set in modern-day Japan. The two met during Takashi’s first year at the University and have since become very close friends. Everything seems to be going well for both of them, especially for Takashi. However, when Haruka’s father becomes ill, she’s forced to leave school and take care of him. It is at this period of time that Takashi has shown how much she means to her by encouraging her during these difficult moments. They arrange weekly meetings in the heart of the nation’s capital of Tokyo and it drive Takashi to want to take their friendship to next level. He realizes that true love is never an easy path as he learns the hard way when he discovers Haruka has started seeing her well-off ex-boyfriend again. Takashi’s world has taken a turn for the worse as the two begin a journey that will expose them to the ordeals of young love growing up in Tokyo.

The plot building of this story was amazing and it maintained my interest throughout. Takashi is certainly a gentleman in every way. He is honest and the kind of friend that you can rely on. He is well-liked by everyone but he just couldn’t understand what Haruka saw in Jun. From the beginning, Jun came off as annoying and pretty much egotistical and self-centered. Haruka on the other hand is dealt with a pretty difficult choice. Her family is in need of money and her mother wants her to marry her wealthy ex-boyfriend. Having to choose between Takashi or Jun is the last thing on her mind. When a series of unexpected events occur, it will help her realize what is important in life.

It was a nice change of pace reading a story that is set in modern-day Japan. Tokyo is probably one of the most exhilarating and robust cities in the world and it provided the right scenes for the touching love story. Renae’s writing style is able to channel the life of modern-day Japan into words and readers will feel like they arere in the heart of Tokyo while following the lives of Takashi and Haruka. The Japanese culture is truly unique and Renae accurately captured just how amazing it is. She has delivered a story that takes readers outside of the normal trend of YA books out there and not only gives us an incredible love story, but also an amazing look into a culture that is very deep rooted in tradition. I am certain that the sequel, Tokyo Dreams, will follow the same caliber of marvelous writing.

[Rosia_lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author Renae Lucas-Hall in a giveaway. Thank you very much Renae!

But unfortunately, I didn't had enough time until now to read this book. I am very glad that I have read it now, during my end of semester holiday, because in this way I had enough time to enjoy every page of it. This novel is gorgeous and have a good plot and beautiful characters that you'll love.

The story begins in modern-day Japan, on the fashionable streets of the amazing Tokyo. Takasi is a young good looking man who is waiting to meet her friend Haruka ( a beautiful and lovely girl) on the Cafe hors and dans ( a coffee shop). Takasi met Haruka on his first year at University and since then they become close friends. But when Haruka father became ill, she has to drop the university and take care of him. During this period of time Takasi spoke to her on the mobile phone and encouraged her during those difficult moments. Their friendship became more stronger and they meet every Thursday inside the coffee shop to share more time together.

Now, Takasi waits Haruka to arive because he wants to take their friendship at the next level, but when he learns that Haruka ex-boyfriend( Jun) visit her very often, he begins to worry.

I love the plot and how the story was build. This novel managed to surprise me in a pleasent way. . Takasi is a kind of boy that I would love to meet, he is honest and a very good friend on whom you can rely. He has a lot of friends and he get along well with them all. He is jelous of Jun and he wonders what does Haruka see on this guy, who is very arrogant and selfish.Jun is a very annoying character from the beginning of the book, he is a snobish guy and a player.

Haruka mothers wants her daughter to marry Jun, her ex-boyfriend because he is rich and they are in need of money. Haruka has to chose between Takasi and Jun, she loves Takasi more but she will chose love or money? An unexpected turn of events will make her realise what is more important in life.

This novel is so amazing , after I read it I fell in love with the Japanese culture and I really want to visit Tokyo.

I can't wait to read Renae sequel of Tokyo hearts, Tokyo dreams. This book is worth reading!

I give it 5 stars!

[Mallory Kellogg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Edit: Dropped the rating for reasons GR no longer allows us to discuss. :(

Original review: 2.5 stars, really

This book was so dull. The characters were vain, greedy and unlikable. The writing was stuffy and way too proper. When someone told the time they added A.M. and P.M. to it EACH TIME. Nobody talks like that.



And the love story was so boring I almost went to sleep. Haruka was vain, spoiled and so beneath Takashi. Takashi was spineless, worrisome and annoying. Every single character in this book was obsessed with name brands and money. They all mentioned the prices of everything they bought, like I was reading the weekly Target ad and not a romance. Only 1,000 Yen for house slippers?! What a deal! Bah!



As if all that wasn't bad enough, everything was branded. They never just wore a coat. They wore a North Face coat. They didn't just have make-up. They had Chanel powder and lotions. Panasonic microwaves, Sony TVs, Apple iPhones. For goodness SAKE! I don't CARE!



This whole book read like a boring Sears catalog of overpriced clothing being bought by boring people with no personalities that only worry about how they can possibly buy more clothing in the future and where that money will come from.



Let's not eve dwell on the ridiculous HEA we were gifted that made it all seem like a very dull Disney flick. Gag. And I was so looking forward to this. I love Japanese romance stories, but this was NOT a romance. It was a sales ad for the rich and elite. Full of grammatical errors and a lack of formatting knowledge. They didn't even put the speech in QUOTES! It was all single ' makes for all the talking. I thought, at first, I was reading their thoughts for time until I realized, no, it's just bad writing.



Don't bother with this. Save your money. Read Lisa See if you want an Asian tale of love and loss.

[アレツクス コツト · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to send a very special thanks to Renae Lucas-Hall for sending me a Copy. She is such a wonderful author and im jus now so happy after finishing tokyo hearts. Wow i dont know where to begin! This story just moved me, with its love triangles and the way the author painted me so many pictures in my head :D!! I loved the very detailed descriptions on the area, the shops, the clothing. It was like i was there experiencing it myself! I loved it soo much. And The love triangle oooooo Takeshi has such a good heart and im glad Haruka finally came to her senses! (ahhh spoilers :D) It was the cherry on top of a perfect sunday and Renae completely captures the japanese lifestyle and day to day experiences very well. I was soo hooked i felt like i was Watching an anime. ooooooo And i cant wait for the 2nd season loolz :D! This is DEFINATELY worth the read!! Its sooo worth it i cant even fathom these feels right now. Its so amazing in every way. Specially the ending ohhh wow it was like a beautiful fairytale ending in reality that i was moved to tears. Please Make time for this book and read it! I assure you, you wont be dissapointed :D

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU RENAE LUCAS-HALL FOR WRITING SUCH A GORGEOUS JAPANESE LOVE STORY :D!!!!

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was to sum Tokyo Hearts up in one word it would be escapism. A wonderful opportunity to dive into an alternative culture. The author creates a very believable Tokyo that I found highly absorbing and left me wanting to explore Japanese culture in greater details. BravO, an excellent novel and looking forward to more from Renae Lucas Hall.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short review for Tokyo Hearts would simply be - I love it! Romance in Tokyo for anyone living outside Japanese culture has to be intriguing and author Renae Lucas Hall certainly delivers on her promise. Very well written I am sure there is much more to come from this author.

[Miyuneko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to begin by thanking Rena Lucas Hall for sending me a copy of his book autographed Tokyo Hearts (with a nice card). I must say I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted by an author, and I was very flattered. Especially when it's about a book like Tokyo Hearts, happens, as you may have guessed, Japan.
Being myself a big fan of Japanese culture (no, you're kidding me !?), I accepted without hesitation, even though the book is in English. Moreover, it was the third book I read in English, after Harry Potter and The Prince (Kiera Cass). And I was glad to see that I did not need to be bilingual to understand the book.
Indeed, the style is very fluid and is easily train for reading, we come to understand sentences even if some words are unknown to us (and then, a good dictionnary can still be used ... ). A good experience so that encourages me to read more books in English!

Coverage already: she's gorgeous! I really have a nice feeling about sakura (cherry blossoms), emblematic of Japan (as I would attend Hanami!).

The history of Tokyo Heart happening in contemporary Japan. There is all this cultural aspect that makes it a very attractive country. Renae Lucas Hall knows about it, we see that she has a good knowledge of Japanese culture. From the first pages we find the characteristics of Japanese. I was amused by such a server to ask again and again if our protagonist was fine after banged knees "The waiter (...) over and over again asking if she was all right" -> a feature of Japanese to worry about its neighbor, spread apologize and ask if everything goes well ... I imagine the scene clearly in Japanese "Daijoubu desu ka? Daijoubu desu ka?" with a frantic server. Oh and Japanese apartments .. I want one like that in September, with a kotatsu * _ * That alone should make it a very friendly place.
I have a fairly good knowledge of Japanese culture and I could learn more and travel through this beautiful country. It will delight both Japan's lovers and those who have little or no knowledge of Japanese culture. Oh and Japanese names * _ * I usually only read mangas, I have not yet read any novel with Japanese characters, I feel like reading a kind of fictionalized shoujo ^ ^
And it is not only the right side of Japan. Earthquakes are common, which adds an even more realistic look to this book.

The plot revolves around two characters, Takashi and Haruka. Takashi is a perfect little gentleman, I wish I had someone like him by my side ^ ^ (and not just because it's my favorite male Japanese name x)) Always listen to Haruka and always full of kindness. And his love is so pure! It's pretty rare these days, and I think it's wonderful. The only "default" that I could find him is that he smokes ... As for Haruka, it does not please me upon entering the book, I thought she was a bit silly to ignored Takashi's feelings but we know her best after and we appreciate her more. The secondary characters are also very nice, I liked Takashi's friends (especially Kenji), always there to help their friend. After, there are less sympathetic characters, like Jun, a little "marvelous" on the edges: the rich man who takes for someone and do not hesitate to annoy Takashi ... He seems to like Haruka too, who will then make a choice between love and money (her family has financial problems). In your opinion what choice will she make?

Perfect for a nice relaxing time and to travel in Japan!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so foolish because I didn’t read this book until now. At the beginning I didn’t know that I’d like this book but now , I love it. It was a peaceful and a beautiful book. Reading this book I learned a lot of things about Japan and Japanese culture. Also the book made me laugh because I’m not familiar with Japanese names and I don’t know if a certain person is a girl or a boy.
The story begin introducing Haruka and Takashi. They had a lot in comon. They were both interested in studying marketing. They shared a love for all Japanese things whether it was culture , history or religion. They both came from loving families and also they had similar aspiration for the future. While Haruka’s father was ill Takashi kept in touch with Haruka on telephone and he supported her emotionaly. So their relationship got stronger. They meet every week on Thursday at café shop in the heart of Tokyo. Al was good until Haruka’s ex-boyfriend , Jun , returned in her life and made things from bad to worse. Jun is Yuriko’s cousin and he’s very rich and full of charm. He accusstomed Haruka’s mother with expensive gifts and that’s why she likes him and she wants to make him Haruka’s husband . Takashi knows all about Jun and he’s jealus of him because he loves her so much Haruka and he doesn’t want to lose her .
One day , Haruka’s friend, Yuriko , saw in her cousin’s bag a beautiful engagement ring and after that she told Haruka that the ring is for her . In that moment Haruka was so happy and so was her mother . Now , Haruka has to chose between Takashi and Jun, between true love and money . Time passed and the truth came out. Haruka found out the rings wasn’t for her , it was for another girl who Jun loved. She and her mother were so disappointed about Jun and Haruka realized that Takashi is the perfect boy for her but she didn’t know if he would accept her because Takashi find out from Yuriko that Jun and Haruka will get married and then his heart was broken. Despite of what happened, Takashi accepted Haruka and now he can offer her what she deserves because his grandmother died after an earthquake and she left him a fortune .
The character I hate very much is Jun . He’s so goofy and he knows very well how to play with girls' hearts . In my opinion Takashi was perfect and he was my favorite right from the beginning. Haruka is the kind of girl who doesn’t know very well what she really wants and sometimes she annoys me. And now , Haruka’s parents… I think that I hate them , especially Haruka’s mother , even more than Jun. Thay are so materialistic , but in one way I understand them because thay want what is the best for their daughter.
Overal the book was very good and I felt good when I read it. I can’t wait until the sequel of Tokyo Hearts ,Tokyo Dreams will come out.

[Suzy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love being introduced to new settings in books and this one was particularly wonderful. It is very clear that the author knows her stuff when it comes to all things Japanese - making me ache to actually go to that part of the world. To be honest, it had never really appealed to me before reading this book. Tokyo Hearts is absolutely charming and, with its innocence intact, I would highly recommend it to teens as well as adults. I loved the purity and charm of the characters and wonder if most Japanese are as polite and thoughtful to one another as Takashi and Haruka? In fact I would suggest that this book should be marketed to the NA fan - with its coming of age appeal, I think that all young and new adults would find it particularly engaging.
The first line pretty much sums up the style of the book - 'On the last tempestuous Thursday in July, Takashi discovered the difference between the type of girl that a boy could like and the type of woman that a man could love'. Sigh, isn't that just beautiful? It's kind of like those old folklore tales we were told as children, but for a slightly older audience and that's what I liked about this book. Charming, absolutely charming.

[Tripfiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take a virtual tour of Tokyo via fiction

A coming of age story, almost a novella, that charts the relationship between Takashi and Haruka.
For us at TripFiction, this is a fabulous novel that weaves its way into the heart of Tokyo life and brings the city into sharp focus for the reader. This is a great novel for exploring frenetic Tokyo life, offering up little aspects that make Tokyo, well, Tokyo. The automatic opening of taxi doors, the young peoples' love of Western and Japanese named brands,descriptions of the kotatsu heaters that many older style dwellings still have. Pocky Sticks! The intricacies of the subway lines. And the delightful examples of how the Japanese enthusiastically embrace western words and names that result in what, to us, are plain wacky: the author mentions two wedding magazines called Zexy and 25ans, and the coffee shop "hors et dans". It's all there, little vignettes of how the city works.... and not a single mention of Pocari Sweat!! If you fancy an armchair trip to Tokyo, either to rekindle memories of a visit, or to prepare for an upcoming journey; or just because you want a bit of insight, then give this book a go.

[Robin Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline the author has created in this book intertwines its characters in a delightful and insightful manner the traditional Japanese culture, especially as it pertains to the relationships two lovers. An insight few Westerns might know about. And the author’s personal experiences living in Japan adds an additional layer of authenticity to the descriptions and visualizations of the various scenes contained the book contains.

Any woman who reads this story should be able to find themselves easily stepping into Haruka’s shoes as she experiences her relationship with Takashi and his family. Sometimes as I read the dialogue Ms. Hall has used in her book to be almost like an overly Americanization translation of what the actual Japanese might be adding to the realistic portrayal of what the characters are saying to each adding.

For having given her readers this somewhat unique reading of a romance set in Japan, I’ve given this book 4 STARS.

[Karen Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written story about two Japanese people who are friends, Yuriko and Haruka. Their relationship is unique and special; they come from different areas of Japan; they each have their strengths and weaknesses. The descriptions of the areas of Japan, the earthquakes, the attractions, restaurants, food, and dress were wonderful. The plot always left me guessing how it would end...it ended the way I hope it would.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

I had a hard time getting through the book, as you can see from how long it took me. And that was by no means because the book was boring. Oh no, I loved the book and the characters, but the writing style just felt stiff and too formal and that is why it took me some time to get through the book. Around 70% the book style felt less formal and I could read more, but before that it was a bit of a struggle.

I loved the characters, especially Takashi, he was a wonderful character and really admirable with how he, despite everything that happens goes on with his life and tries to do his best. I felt sad for him at times, when Haruka just dropped him or didn't do anything to make him feel comfortable (like when he came to her house and that other guy was there and he ran away).

Haruka, ah Haruka, I sometimes wanted to slap her. She probably didn't mean much harm, but she hurt Takashi with her behaviour. He is such a good guy and she cared more about the money throughout most of the book. I can imagine, with your parents situation and the fact you probably would need to miss your luxurious situation, but still...

And then we have Jun, God I disliked him. Prancing around, showering people in wealth, letting them think you like them. Nope, not my kind of character.

I really loved the ending of the book, I was cheering all the time and maybe even cried a little. Yeah for happy endings!

In overall I really liked the book, I do hope next books will have less formal writing though. That is really the only thing I didn't really like.

[Joy Lo-Bamijoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating love story, told from the standpoint of someone who has lived the experiences in the story. The author captured the soul of the young people of this story, that one could see them moving and living as clear as day.

Takashi, patient, good natured, was persistent in his love. Haruka, obedient to the will of the parents, but also caring for Takashi, allowed herself to be steered towards her parent’s wishes and wants. Jun, the double faced, conceited and back-boneless mama’s boy, tagged onto his pompous, arrogant mother, and allowed his mother to rule his life. Yuriko, a friend of Haruka, and she was a good friend. And all the other characters that weaved themselves in and out of the story, painted a fascinating Japanese scene that was so authentic, I could not believe the story was not written by a native born Japanese.

It was so engaging and so culturally correct, with such nuances as we see in Japanese parlance, such as simplicity of expressions, that sometimes come through as being too simple, and sometimes childish. I could see why the author felt the need to always say things like, “said Takashi” or “said Haruka” when it is clear who said what. Apart from what I can classify as cultural nuances, this story painted the scenes so vividly that I found myself in the story, and followed the escapades of Takashi and his friends. I enjoyed the story.

[Ben Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often judge how much I am enjoying a book by the degree to which I am drawn back to it (especially on occasions when I don't have the luxury of time to read the whole thing in a couple of marathon sessions). The fact that I finished this book over a period of just a few days is an indication of what a good read it is. We meet the two protagonists, Haruka and Takashi, at the point where their relationship could blossom into something more than close friendship and this book explores expertly the trials and tribulations of young love, made even more complicated by pressure being put on Haruka to settle down and get married; an entirely believable proposition as those who have lived in Japan will have heard the expression "Christmas Cake" in reference to the shelf life of women aged over 25... The book also contains a number of sub-stories that add depth and support the main narrative along. Well written, convincing characters and a strong sense of place, I really did enjoy it. Will true love triumph over the practicalities of a sensible match? You'll have to buy the book to find out!

[Henry Tobias · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Renae Lucas-Hall weaves a well-written love story set in Japan with a fascinating insight into Japanese culture. The pace of the story holds the reader’s interest until the very last page. Although written for young adults, I could not put the book down until I knew how it ended."
Henry Tobias

[Roy Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[i. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel I cannot give an unbiased opinion about this book just because I love Tokyo and whenever I read a novel about that city I usually like it.
What I can honestly say is that as far as I know, the author describes really well the lifestyle of young people in Tokyo. She also writes in a style that IMHO reminds me of the way some Japanese writers use, I mean: the novel is slow-paced, with detailed descriptions of the character's inner feelings. Those characters behave the way young Japanese people usually do. IMHO (again) they try to maintain the old ways (respect, obligation and tradition ) but at the same time, they are attracted to more modern lifestyles.

I recommend it to readers who cannot wait to visit Japan for the first time or want to go back again and again.

www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com

[Helene · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything about this book was very cliché and vague. Most of the dialogue consisted of "he said, she said" small talk and lacked depth. The author displayed a very generalized knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture, utilizing only well-known landmarks and general descriptors. She seemed overly focused on the way the people in the story dressed, with an unnecessary preoccupation on brands. She portrayed Japanese culture as being very materialistic, pretentious, and shallow. The writing style was inconsistent and was reminiscent of the diary of a young adult. The plot was predictable and cliché, and frankly the book was boring. The individuals portrayed in this book were about as predictable and stereotypical as they would be in a popular junior high anime. If you are looking for a quick, superficial read incorporating uncomplicated details, a predictable plot, and stereotypical character development (and perhaps if you are 16 years old), then this might be the book for you.

If you are looking for good books set in Japan with bewitching depth, hypnotizing characters, sophisticated writing styles, and immersive descriptions, I would recommend pursuing authors who have either lived in Japan for most of their lives or who are Japanese by birth.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book because of the high average reviews score. Unfortunately, there was nothing great about this book. For one thing, since I am not familiar with traditional Japanese names, I could not keep the characters straight or even if they were male or female. But overall, the writing was not good and the storyline kind of pointless.

[Kayano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Que decepción de libro. La historia es la típica de chico que se enamora de chica de distinta clase social y ella es muy materialista y superficial y como que solo piensa en comprar, dinero, marcas, etc. Lo único que vale la pena es la ambientación. Pero esta historia podría pasar en cualquier sitio, lo único que esta ambientada en Japón. Y eso la autora no lo ha aprovechado. La historia es lo mas normal que te puedes encontrar. Lo único que nos hace dar cuenta de que pasa en Japón aparte de la ambientación es que hay terremotos.

Esta lleno de tópicos, la protagonista me cae fatal... Un desastre. Solo me gustan las partes narradas desde el punto de vista de el chico, Takashi. Las narradas desde el punto de vista de Haruka se me hacían bastante pesadas, aburridas y repetitivas.

No lo recomiendo para nada.

[Liane Wakabayashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Tokyo Hearts, this coming of age story tells the tale of Takeshi, an earnest love-smitten university student, and Haruka, a material girl who is blessed with two polar opposite suitors in her life. This all-Japanese cast of fictitious young characters comes from the imagination of Renae Lucas-Hall, an Englishwoman who has spent a lot of time in Tokyo observing and drawing conclusions about the Japanese people she's met. And for someone like me, who put in a whole lot of years in Japan too, it's a mostly fun read of pausing every page or two to reflect on a place I've been, a train route I've traveled, a meddling Japanese nuclear family or office stereotype I've experienced at close range. But for readers who've never been to Japan or gotten to know real human beings inside the fancy designer clothing described here, I worry. These characters are pretty one dimensional and the feeling I got is that the characters in Tokyo Hearts are there in the service of a morality tale about how materialism leads to skewed values. Fair enough. It's true that Japanese materialism is pretty extreme. Thanks to Lucas-Hall's super-hero with holes in his socks, Takeshi, this guy is here to prove that nice guys don't have to be rich or pedigreed to find love. But we are left nonetheless scratching our heads by the surprise materialistic ending.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet love story, but more than the romance here, I loved that Tokyo Hearts is, as much as anything, a love story of the city.

[Hexe · Rating 1 out of 5]

A huge disappointment. I regret I fell for the pretty cover art. The characters were flat, the plot cliché (I hate it when writers just pile one catastrophe on top of the other), the writing appalling. Dialogue for example was written really amateurish (when there are only two people present, there is no need whatsoever to add "person B replied", it's quite clear that this would be them replying to whatever person A just stated). What bugged me the most was that conceited way of writing that describes details in that pompous "I've been there so I know exactly how long journey X takes on train Y" kind of way. That's not showing real life in Tokyo, it's just showing off.